I removed cleanly three inches long cuttings from
hardy fuschia ( Surprise). This has been in the
ground for 3 years and therefore is quite hardy.

First removed the portion just below the leaflets, gently planted them in the soil. Watered them. Also few alfalfa pellets are also spread in the same pots over the cuttings.

Within a few hours, the stemps simply collapsed
to the ground.

Is this the right technique ? Should I remove
the tip of the stems too ?

After watching them collapse, I am not sure how will it
turn out but I will keep watering it.
Is this normal for the whole cutting to collapse ?

If they survive, what are the signs I should be looking
for and how long it generally takes ?

Fertilizers like fish emulsion, can they be applied ?

Thanks

Three or four inches long is ok for 'hardwood' stem cuttings, but not young cuttings.

Rooting takes approx. 3/4 weeks according to variety, you will know when they're rooted, the first new leaves will have a 'sheen' to them. Grow on until they are each in a 5 inch pot, then you can put them in the garden if you wish, set them a bit deeper than they are in the pot. During the growing season you can use fish emulsion.

If you keep them in pots use a balaced feed NPK 20-20-20.
Hope this helps you - Kath:)